Patentable/Patents/US-11531459
US-11531459

Control-article-based control of a user interface

PublishedDecember 20, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Systems and methods of providing gesture-based control of a user interface are provided. For instance, a presence of a control article can be detected in a first proximity zone proximate a user device. Responsive to detecting the presence of the control article, presentation data corresponding to a presentation mode of a user interface associated with the user computing device can be provided for display. A presence of the control article can be detected in a second proximity zone proximate the user computing device. The second proximity zone can define a separate physical area than the first proximity zone. Responsive to detecting the presence of the control article in the second proximity zone, interactive data corresponding to an interactive mode of the user interface can be provided for display.

Patent Claims
12 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the non-interactive user interface elements are determined based on a location of the control article within the first proximity zone.

Plain English Translation

A computing device is configured to display a user interface with interactive and non-interactive elements, where the non-interactive elements are dynamically determined based on the location of a control article (e.g., a stylus or finger) within a defined proximity zone. The device includes a display screen, a proximity sensor, and a processor. The proximity sensor detects the control article's position relative to the screen, and the processor adjusts the user interface elements accordingly. When the control article is within a first proximity zone, the device identifies non-interactive elements based on the article's location, ensuring that only relevant or contextually appropriate elements are displayed. This prevents unintended interactions and enhances usability by reducing clutter. The system may also include additional proximity zones with different interaction rules, allowing for layered control over the user interface. The invention improves user experience by dynamically adapting the interface to the user's input method and position, particularly in touch or stylus-based systems where precision and context awareness are critical.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the user interface elements are determined based at least in part on a currently running application associated with the computing device.

Plain English Translation

A computing device includes a display and a processor configured to generate a user interface on the display. The user interface includes multiple user interface elements, such as icons, buttons, or menus, that are dynamically determined based on the currently running application on the device. The processor identifies the active application and selects or configures the user interface elements to be relevant to that application, enhancing usability by providing context-specific controls or information. For example, if a media player is running, the user interface may display playback controls, volume adjustments, or track information. If a productivity application is active, the interface may include shortcuts to frequently used functions or document navigation tools. The system may also adjust the layout, size, or functionality of the elements based on the application's requirements. This approach improves efficiency by reducing the need for users to navigate through generic or irrelevant interface options, tailoring the display to the immediate task at hand. The computing device may further include sensors or input mechanisms to detect user interactions and refine the interface elements in real-time.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise, responsive to not detecting the presence of the control article in the first or second proximity zone, causing display of a standby mode of the user interface, the standby mode comprising one or more standby user interface elements without at least one of the non-interactive user interface elements and without at least one of the interactive user interface elements.

Plain English Translation

A computing device monitors user interaction by detecting the presence of a control article, such as a stylus or finger, within predefined proximity zones relative to a display. The device adjusts the user interface based on the detected presence or absence of the control article. When the control article is detected in a first proximity zone, the device displays a primary user interface mode, which includes both interactive and non-interactive user interface elements. Interactive elements allow user input, while non-interactive elements provide visual or informational content without direct interaction. If the control article is detected in a second proximity zone, the device displays a secondary user interface mode, which retains some interactive and non-interactive elements but may exclude others to optimize the display for the user's current interaction context. If the control article is not detected in either proximity zone, the device enters a standby mode, simplifying the user interface by removing at least one non-interactive and at least one interactive element. This standby mode reduces visual clutter and conserves system resources when no active interaction is detected. The system dynamically adapts the user interface to enhance usability and efficiency based on the user's proximity and interaction state.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The computing device of claim 4, wherein at least one of the standby user interface elements is a clock face or time display.

Plain English Translation

A computing device includes a display screen and a processor configured to operate in a standby mode, where the screen displays standby user interface elements. These elements are visually distinct from active user interface elements and are displayed in a reduced power state. The standby elements are selectable to transition the device from standby mode to an active mode. At least one of these standby elements is a clock face or time display, providing time information while the device is in standby. The processor may also detect user input to transition between standby and active modes, and the standby elements are designed to consume less power than the active elements. The device may further include a touch-sensitive display or other input mechanisms to interact with the standby elements. The standby mode allows the device to remain partially functional while conserving power, and the clock face or time display ensures users can view the time without fully activating the device. This design balances power efficiency with usability, allowing quick access to essential information and functions.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise, responsive to detecting the presence of the control article in the second proximity zone, monitoring, via the radar module, for a performance of a control gesture by the control article.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computing devices equipped with radar modules for detecting and monitoring control gestures performed by a control article, such as a handheld device or stylus, within proximity zones. The technology addresses the challenge of enabling precise, non-contact interaction with computing devices by leveraging radar-based sensing to detect gestures and commands from a control article. The computing device includes a radar module configured to define multiple proximity zones around the device, such as a first proximity zone for general detection and a second, closer proximity zone for gesture monitoring. When the control article enters the second proximity zone, the radar module actively monitors for specific control gestures, such as swipes, taps, or rotations, performed by the user with the article. The radar module processes the reflected signals to distinguish intentional gestures from unintended movements, ensuring accurate command execution. This approach enhances user interaction by enabling seamless, gesture-based control without requiring physical contact or line-of-sight optical sensors. The system may also include additional features, such as adjusting radar sensitivity or filtering noise, to improve gesture recognition reliability. The invention is particularly useful in applications where touchless interaction is preferred, such as in public kiosks, medical devices, or augmented reality environments.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the at least one action comprises a control action associated with at least one of the interactive user interface elements.

Plain English Translation

A computing device is configured to process user input data to determine at least one action based on the input data. The device includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive user input data from an input device, analyze the input data to identify a user intent, and determine at least one action based on the identified intent. The action may include a control action associated with at least one interactive user interface element, such as a button, slider, or other interactive component displayed on a display device. The device may further adjust the user interface or system behavior in response to the determined action. The system may also include a display device for presenting the user interface and an input device for capturing user input, such as a touchscreen, keyboard, or mouse. The computing device may be part of a larger system, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, where the user interface elements are part of an application or operating system interface. The invention addresses the challenge of accurately interpreting user input to perform intended actions, particularly in dynamic or complex user interfaces where multiple interactive elements may be present.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the non-interactive user interface elements are determined based on a location of the control article within the first proximity zone.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for dynamically adjusting non-interactive user interface elements in a graphical user interface (GUI) based on the position of a control article, such as a cursor or pointer, within a defined proximity zone. The method addresses the problem of static or inefficient user interface elements that do not adapt to user interactions, leading to reduced usability and productivity. The method involves detecting the location of a control article within a first proximity zone of the GUI. Based on this location, non-interactive user interface elements are determined and displayed. These elements may include informational tooltips, contextual menus, or other visual aids that enhance user interaction without requiring explicit user input. The method may also involve adjusting the appearance or behavior of these elements based on the control article's movement or dwell time within the proximity zone. Additionally, the method may include dynamically updating the elements as the control article moves between different proximity zones, ensuring that the displayed information remains relevant to the user's current focus. The system may also incorporate user preferences or historical interaction data to further personalize the displayed elements. This approach improves user experience by providing contextually relevant information without interrupting workflow.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the user interface elements are determined based at least in part on a currently running application associated with the computing device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for dynamically adjusting user interface elements on a computing device based on the currently running application. The method addresses the problem of static or generic user interfaces that do not adapt to the specific needs of the active application, leading to inefficiencies and a suboptimal user experience. The method involves analyzing the currently running application on the computing device to identify relevant user interface elements. These elements are then selected or modified to enhance functionality, accessibility, or usability for the specific application. For example, if a productivity application is running, the method may prioritize elements like keyboard shortcuts, task management tools, or collaboration features. Conversely, for a media application, the method may emphasize playback controls, volume adjustments, or media library navigation. The method may also consider user preferences, historical usage patterns, or application-specific requirements to further refine the selection of user interface elements. By dynamically adapting the interface to the active application, the method improves efficiency, reduces cognitive load, and enhances the overall user experience. The invention is particularly useful in environments where multiple applications are frequently used, such as in professional or multitasking scenarios.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising, responsive to not detecting the presence of the control article in the first or second proximity zone, causing display, by the computing device, of a standby mode of the user interface, the standby mode comprising one or more standby user interface elements without at least one of the non-interactive user interface elements and without at least one of the interactive user interface elements.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing user interface elements in a computing device based on the presence or absence of a control article within proximity zones. The method addresses the problem of optimizing user interface display to enhance usability and reduce distractions when a control article, such as a stylus or other input device, is not detected in designated proximity zones. The method involves monitoring the first and second proximity zones to determine whether the control article is present. If the control article is not detected in either zone, the computing device transitions the user interface to a standby mode. In standby mode, the user interface displays one or more standby user interface elements while omitting at least one non-interactive user interface element and at least one interactive user interface element. This selective display ensures that only essential elements remain visible, simplifying the interface and reducing clutter when the control article is not in use. The method dynamically adjusts the user interface based on the detected presence or absence of the control article, improving efficiency and user experience.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, wherein at least one of the standby user interface elements is a clock face or time display.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented method provides a user interface system for managing standby elements in a graphical user interface (GUI). The system addresses the problem of efficiently displaying relevant information while minimizing resource consumption during standby or low-activity states. The method involves detecting a standby state, such as when a device is idle or in a power-saving mode, and dynamically adjusting the visibility and functionality of user interface elements. In the standby state, certain elements are hidden or reduced in complexity to conserve resources, while others remain visible to provide essential information. The method also includes restoring the full user interface when user activity resumes. A key aspect of this method is the use of standby user interface elements, which are simplified or optimized versions of standard interface components. These elements may include a clock face or time display, which remains visible to provide time-related information without consuming excessive resources. The method ensures that critical information is accessible during standby while maintaining system efficiency. The system may also include mechanisms to detect user interaction and transition between standby and active states seamlessly. This approach improves user experience by balancing information availability and resource management.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising, responsive to detecting the presence of the control article in the second proximity zone, monitoring, via the radar module of the computing device, for a performance of a control gesture by the control article.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for detecting and monitoring control gestures using a radar module in a computing device. The method addresses the challenge of accurately tracking and interpreting user gestures in proximity to a device, particularly in scenarios where traditional optical or capacitive sensors may be limited by environmental conditions or physical obstructions. The method involves detecting the presence of a control article, such as a handheld device or stylus, within a second proximity zone relative to the computing device. Once the control article is detected in this zone, the radar module of the computing device continuously monitors for the performance of a control gesture by the control article. The radar module emits and receives radio waves to track the movement and position of the control article, enabling gesture recognition without requiring direct line-of-sight or physical contact. The method may also include detecting the control article in a first proximity zone, which is closer to the computing device than the second proximity zone, and determining whether the control article is moving toward or away from the computing device. This allows the system to anticipate and respond to user interactions more efficiently. The radar module's ability to operate through various materials and in low-light conditions enhances the reliability of gesture detection in diverse environments. The method may further involve adjusting the sensitivity or operational parameters of the radar module based on the detected movement or position of the control article to optimize performance.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein the at least one action comprises a control action associated with at least one of the interactive user interface elements.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented methods for controlling interactive user interfaces, particularly in systems where user interactions with interface elements trigger automated responses. The problem addressed involves efficiently managing and executing control actions in response to user inputs, ensuring seamless and responsive interaction within digital interfaces. The method involves detecting user interactions with one or more interactive elements of a user interface, such as buttons, sliders, or input fields. Upon detecting such interactions, the system identifies the specific element involved and determines an appropriate control action. These control actions may include adjusting interface settings, triggering system commands, or modifying displayed content. The method ensures that the control actions are executed in real-time, enhancing user experience by providing immediate feedback and maintaining system responsiveness. The invention may also include additional features, such as validating user inputs before executing control actions, prioritizing actions based on predefined rules, or logging interaction data for analysis. These features help improve system reliability and adaptability, ensuring that the interface remains intuitive and efficient for users. The method is applicable across various domains, including software applications, web interfaces, and embedded systems, where dynamic user interaction is critical.

Classification Codes (CPC)

Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

April 12, 2021

Publication Date

December 20, 2022

Want to explore more patents?

Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.

Citation & reuse

Analysis on this page is generated by Patentable — an AI-powered patent intelligence platform. AI-generated summaries, explanations, FAQs, and analysis may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL below. Patent abstracts and claims are USPTO public domain.

Cite as: Patentable. “Control-article-based control of a user interface” (US-11531459). https://patentable.app/patents/US-11531459

© 2026 Nomic Interactive Technology LLC. Machine-readable context available at /api/llm-context/US-11531459. See llms.txt for full attribution policy.

Control-article-based control of a user interface